What Crew Members Say About Rhodanus

On January 16, 2020, at 07:30 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Rhodanus' encountered significant challenges while sailing from Rotterdam to Gijon. The vessel reported main engine overheating coupled with pump malfunctions while positioned at 50° 25' 33.6" N and 000° 36' 39" W. In response to the situation, the crew requested a two-hour window to conduct necessary repairs and perform engine testing. Following the installation of new pump components, the engine trials were conducted successfully. The 'Rhodanus' was able to resume its journey in the late morning hours and is now estimated to arrive at its destination by January 19.

The freighter Rhodanus is on the move after completing its required surveys, having departed its anchorage. On October 20, the vessel began being towed by the French tugboat VB Fos (IMO: 9483657), which was dispatched from Bonifacio on October 18. The tow is en route to Fos-sur-Mer, with an estimated time of arrival set for 6 a.m. on October 22. Additionally, the French emergency tug Abeille Flandre (IMO: 7710513) is providing escort assistance for the convoy. Following the conclusion of this tow, on October 29, the Rhodanus set sail towards Yalova, where it reached the port on November 5 at 5:30 a.m. After a 24-day maintenance period, the vessel departed Yalova again on November 28 at 4:45 p.m., with Istanbul marked as its initial destination post-repairs. The freighter arrived in Istanbul on November 30 at 6:30 p.m., before continuing its journey towards Damietta.

On October 18 at noon, the cargo vessel 'Rhodanus' was successfully refloated at Cala Longa after receiving approval for its salvage plan from the Mediterranean Maritime Prefect late on October 17. The operation involved draining the fuel and deploying the anchor, with the salvage executed by the tugboat 'Jason' in collaboration with the assisting port tug 'Persevero' from Sant'Amanza. The ship was securely moored at coordinates 41° 25.39' N 009° 14.36' E, where the RINA classification agency initiated a thorough post-shipment inspection. This inspection will notably utilize support from the National Navy's diving team. The next steps for the 'Rhodanus’ include a planned transit to a French port, contingent upon recommendations from RINA. This transit will also adhere to a strategy designed by SMIT Salvage, which must be validated by the Mediterranean Maritime Prefect. For detailed coverage, including photographs, refer to the official French reports at the following links: [Link 1](https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/desechouement-du-cargo-rhodanus-suite) and [Link 2](https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/desechouement-du-cargo-rhodanus).